US7313054B2 - Positioning and locking mechanism of display means in a portable electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Positioning and locking mechanism of display means in a portable electronic apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US7313054B2
US7313054B2 US11/076,421 US7642105A US7313054B2 US 7313054 B2 US7313054 B2 US 7313054B2 US 7642105 A US7642105 A US 7642105A US 7313054 B2 US7313054 B2 US 7313054B2
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United States
Prior art keywords
display means
dial
cam
support piece
portable electronic
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US11/076,421
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US20050201210A1 (en
Inventor
Gérald Maurice Matthey
Pascal Robert
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ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
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ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
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Assigned to ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE reassignment ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MATTHEY, GERALD MAURICE, ROBERT, PASCAL
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G17/00—Structural details; Housings
    • G04G17/02—Component assemblies
    • G04G17/04—Mounting of electronic components
    • G04G17/045—Mounting of the display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • G04B19/065—Dials with several parts

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns, generally, a system for positioning and locking display means in a portable electronic apparatus.
  • the invention concerns more specifically the mechanical means implemented in order to position and lock a liquid crystal cell opposite an aperture made through the dial of a watch.
  • the invention also concerns a method for mounting a display module in a portable electronic apparatus.
  • Such a watch 50 conventionally comprises a case 51 including a back cover and closed on top by means of a glass, said case containing a watch movement controlled by an electronic circuit, that are not shown, a dial 52 carrying time indicating means, for example hands 53 driven by the gear trains of the watch movement.
  • Dial 52 includes an aperture 54 for making visible display means 55 , such as for example a liquid crystal display or LCD.
  • display means 55 are mounted on a support piece, not visible in this Figure, disposed underneath the dial and fixed with respect thereto.
  • the support piece includes a pattern cavity for receiving display means 55 and positioning them in relation to aperture 54 made in dial 52 so that they are visible through dial 52 via aperture 54 .
  • a light guide or a holding plate is placed on top then sealed onto the support piece preventing any movement of display means 55 along an axis perpendicular to the mid-plane of the support piece.
  • the securing operation is thus carried out with approximate positioning of the display means.
  • a certain number of watches 50 have a dial 52 with an aperture 54 through which display means 55 are visible positioned askew, which consequently greatly affects the aesthetic appearance of such watches, which is evidently undesirable. It is also undesirable to keep only those watches having a suitable aesthetic appearance at the prices of significantly decreasing the production line yield.
  • the idea according to the invention consists in providing precise positioning means and means for locking the display means, in order to be able to easily secure a light guide above the display means for a secure, precise positioning of the latter, in a parallel plane to the dial, in relation to the aperture which is made therein.
  • the present invention therefore concerns a portable electronic apparatus the features of which include a case, a dial provided with at least one aperture, a support piece fixedly mounted in the case in relation to the dial along a substantially parallel plane to the mid-plane of the dial, arranged for receiving display means, the support piece having at least first and second bearing surfaces defining a fixed position for the display means in the support piece in relation to the aperture in the dial, first, respectively, second mechanical means for moving the display means in abutment against the first, respectively second bearing surfaces, in the fixed position that the surfaces define, wherein at least one of the first or second mechanical means are formed by mechanical means for converting a movement of rotation into a movement of translation.
  • the invention also concerns the method of mounting a display module in a portable electronic apparatus, display module comprising display means and a light guide in a portable electronic apparatus according to the above portable apparatus embodiment, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) arranging the display means on the support piece; (b) actuating one of the first or second mechanical means to move the display means in abutment against the corresponding bearing surface or surfaces; (c) actuating the other of the first or second mechanical means to move the display means in abutment against the other corresponding bearing surface or surfaces, wherein the mechanical means are cams, and wherein the steps of actuating the mechanical means correspond to the following steps: (i) rotating one or other of the cams to move the display means in abutment against the corresponding bearing surface or surfaces; and (ii) rotating the other cam to move the display means in abutment against the corresponding other bearing surface or surfaces.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a support piece in which the display means are arranged before precise positioning
  • FIG. 2 shows a top view of a support piece in which the display means are arranged after precise positioning and locking of the latter;
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of a cam according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a top view of a cam according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 already described, shows an example watch with a dial exhibiting an aperture.
  • the invention concerns, as previously mentioned, a portable electronic apparatus comprising a dial in which an aperture is made, through which display means are visible.
  • This apparatus also includes an electronic control circuit, for controlling the display means, advantageously formed by a liquid crystal display (LCD).
  • LCD liquid crystal display
  • the portable electronic apparatus concerned is preferably an electronic watch, an example embodiment of which is provided in FIG. 5 , although the invention can be applied to other portable electronic apparatus, like for example a cellular telephone or portable electronic games.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a support piece 1 in which display means 2 are arranged prior to the precise positioning thereof on support piece 1 .
  • support piece 1 is mounted in the watchcase in a fixed manner with respect to the dial and preferably along a mid-plane substantially parallel to the mid-plane of the dial.
  • Support piece 1 advantageously has a pattern cavity or recess 3 for receiving display means 2 .
  • Support elements 4 a - 4 d are provided on the periphery of the cavity so as to hold display means 2 , in a parallel plane to the mid-plane of the dial, namely advantageously in the mid-plane of support piece 1 (corresponding to the plane of the Figure).
  • Support piece 1 also has at least a first bearing or support surface, advantageously two bearing surfaces 5 a - 5 b, along a first axis (A) in the mid-plane of support piece 1 , and at least a second bearing surface, advantageously two bearing surfaces 6 a - 6 b, along a second axis (B) also in the mid-plane of support piece 1 and preferably perpendicular to the first axis (A).
  • the at least first 5 a - 5 b and second 6 a - 6 b bearing surfaces define a determined fixed position in the mid-plane of support piece 1 , parallel to the mid-plane of the dial (not shown). This position is selected as a function of the position of the aperture of the dial.
  • first bearing surfaces 5 a - 5 b are widely spaced along the first axis (A) so as to ensure a stable support along the direction perpendicular to this first axis and that the second bearing surfaces 6 a - 6 b are widely spaced along the second axis (B) so as to ensure a stable support along the direction perpendicular to said second axis (B).
  • first 7 and second 8 mechanical means are provided for moving the display means to abut against a stop respectively against the first 5 a - 5 b and second 6 a - 6 b bearing surfaces.
  • These mechanical means 7 and 8 are arranged opposite the corresponding bearing surfaces with respect to cavity 3 of support piece 1 .
  • At least one of the first or second mechanical mans, and advantageously the first and the second mechanical means, are formed by mechanical means for converting a movement of rotation into a movement of translation.
  • cams 7 and 8 are used as mechanical means. These cams 7 and 8 have the advantage of only occupying a reduced space while allowing display means 2 to be moved over a distance depending upon the respective curved thrust surface 9 - 10 of each cam 7 - 8 , sufficient to bring display means 2 to abut against the opposite bearing surfaces.
  • cams 7 and 8 are arranged to be free in rotation, preferably in housings 11 and 12 provided for such purpose on support piece 1 .
  • housings 11 and 12 are each provided with a tooth 13 - 14 cooperating with a corresponding circular grooved portion 15 - 16 of cams 7 - 8 so as to ensure step-by-step rotation of the corresponding cam and consequently a gradual movement of display means 2 .
  • a stop surface 17 - 18 capable of abutting onto the corresponding tooth 13 - 14 , as is illustrated in FIG. 1 , in order to position cam 7 - 8 in its housing 9 - 10 before rotation, so as to indicate the direction of rotation for moving display means 2 towards the opposite bearing surfaces 5 - 6 .
  • FIG. 2 shows a similar view to that of FIG. 1 , in which display means 2 have been moved to abut against the first 5 a - 5 b and second 6 a - 6 b bearing surfaces so that they are in the precise position defined by the bearing surfaces in relation to the aperture made in the watch dial.
  • This position of display means 2 is achieved by actuating mechanical means, here cams 7 and 8 which have been rotated in the appropriate direction, i.e. that for moving display means 2 towards the opposite bearing surfaces 5 a - 5 b and 6 a - 6 b.
  • the curved thrust surface 10 enters into contact with display means 2 and exerts a thrust perpendicularly to the axis (B) driving display means 2 from their initial approximate position on support piece 1 towards a position in abutment against the opposite bearing surfaces 6 a - 6 b.
  • display means 2 as shown in FIG. 2 , have been moved in abutment against the first 5 a - 5 b and the second 6 a - 6 b bearing surfaces and are thus positioned in the fixed position defined by said bearing surfaces in relation to the aperture in the watch dial.
  • cams 7 and 8 comprise elastic means for absorbing the mechanical stress exerted on display means 2 in the fixed position. These elastic means are preferably made by means of a recess 19 - 20 made along the curved thrust surface 9 - 10 .
  • display means 2 After display means 2 have been precisely positioned and locked, they are fixed along the perpendicular axis to the mid-plane of support piece 1 by securing a light guide, not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , above display means 2 .
  • the light guide can be secured by any known means, particularly by screwing, bonding or heat-welding. According to the example shown in FIG. 2 , the light guide is placed above display means 2 by means of dog points 21 and 22 , then secured by means of screws 23 and 24 .
  • FIG. 3 shows an enlarged side view of a cam ( 7 or 8 ) in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the cam bearing the general reference numeral 30 , comprises a securing element 31 fixed in a hole made in the bottom of the support piece housing, so as to ensure that cam 30 is free in rotation about an axis (C) perpendicular to the mid-plane of the support piece.
  • Cam 30 further includes, in its upper part, a substantially circular grooved portion 32 centred with respect to the axis of rotation (C) and a second portion 33 , off-centre with respect to the axis of rotation (C) and centred with respect to the axis of rotation (D).
  • a groove 34 is arranged on the upper part ensuring that cam 30 rotates easily, for example by means of a screwdriver.
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlarged top view of a cam ( 7 or 8 ) in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the same reference numerals have been used for the elements common to FIG. 3 .
  • Grooved portion 32 of cam 30 has a toothing 35 capable of cooperating with the tooth of the corresponding housing, such elements being shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the second portion 33 is centred about the axis (D) parallel to the axis of rotation (C) and has a curved thrust surface 36 , preferably in the shape of a spiral, i.e. with an increasing radius in relation to the axis (D).
  • This curved thrust surface 36 is for contacting the display means to move them in translation in the mid-plane of the support piece along a substantially perpendicular axis to the contact zone between surface 36 and the display means. It will be noted in this regard that thrust surface 36 is preferably slightly grooved to reduce the risk of the display means being damaged when they are moved.
  • the travel of the translation movement is obtained by the spiral form of thrust surface 36 and by its off-centre position with respect to the axis of rotation (C) of cam 30 , which allows the size of the cam to be reduced for a determined length of movement.
  • C axis of rotation
  • Cam 30 is advantageously provided with elastic means for absorbing the mechanical stress exerted on the display means locked in the fixed position.
  • These elastic means are preferably formed by a recess 37 made along thrust surface 36 providing the latter with a determined elasticity as a function of requirements.
  • a display module means an assembly comprising in particular display means and a light guide.
  • This method of mounting a display module in a portable electronic apparatus comprises in particular the following steps:
  • the steps of actuating the mechanical means correspond to the following steps:

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
US11/076,421 2004-03-11 2005-03-10 Positioning and locking mechanism of display means in a portable electronic apparatus Active 2025-05-07 US7313054B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04101004A EP1574918B1 (fr) 2004-03-11 2004-03-11 Mécanisme de positionnement et de blocage de moyens d'affichage dans une ouverture du cadran d'un appareil électronique portable
EP04101004.2 2004-03-11

Publications (2)

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US20050201210A1 US20050201210A1 (en) 2005-09-15
US7313054B2 true US7313054B2 (en) 2007-12-25

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US11/076,421 Active 2025-05-07 US7313054B2 (en) 2004-03-11 2005-03-10 Positioning and locking mechanism of display means in a portable electronic apparatus

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US7313054B2 (ja)
EP (1) EP1574918B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP4843233B2 (ja)
CN (1) CN100576113C (ja)
DE (1) DE602004023814D1 (ja)
HK (1) HK1078659A1 (ja)
TW (1) TWI361340B (ja)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210165369A1 (en) * 2019-12-03 2021-06-03 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Device for fastening a horological external element or display element
US20230042355A1 (en) * 2021-08-09 2023-02-09 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Key for holding a dial on the plate of a horological movement

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH705600B1 (de) 2011-10-07 2022-11-30 Richemont Int Sa Vorrichtung mit Bildleiter für Uhren.
US9501043B2 (en) * 2012-12-17 2016-11-22 The Swatch Group Research And Development Ltd. Flexible portable electronic device
EP3779612A1 (fr) * 2019-08-16 2021-02-17 The Swatch Group Research and Development Ltd Procédé et système de diffusion d'un message à un porteur d'une montre

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3983689A (en) 1975-03-31 1976-10-05 Hughes Aircraft Company Electronic watch construction
US4012117A (en) 1974-07-29 1977-03-15 Rca Corporation Liquid crystal module
US4020627A (en) * 1973-10-06 1977-05-03 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Liquid crystal display electronic watch
US4044542A (en) * 1976-06-01 1977-08-30 Hughes Aircraft Company Watch module construction
US4213295A (en) * 1975-09-12 1980-07-22 Eta A.G. Ebauches-Fabrik Arrangement for securing a dial to a plate in a timepiece
US4218872A (en) * 1977-07-13 1980-08-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha Display device for timepiece
US4247926A (en) * 1976-08-09 1981-01-27 Etauches Bettloch, S.A. Watch movement
EP0545229A1 (fr) 1991-12-02 1993-06-09 Walter Schlup Boîte de montre comportant un fermoir pour bracelet

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3861941A (en) * 1971-07-02 1975-01-21 Bruce W Brockett Pressure-sensitive record sheet
JPH06180376A (ja) * 1992-12-11 1994-06-28 Casio Comput Co Ltd 表示パネルを備えた指針式電子時計
JP2001289966A (ja) * 2000-04-05 2001-10-19 Seiko Instruments Inc アナログ時計
JP2003072055A (ja) * 2001-09-05 2003-03-12 Olympus Optical Co Ltd インクジェットプリンタ

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020627A (en) * 1973-10-06 1977-05-03 Citizen Watch Co., Ltd. Liquid crystal display electronic watch
US4012117A (en) 1974-07-29 1977-03-15 Rca Corporation Liquid crystal module
US3983689A (en) 1975-03-31 1976-10-05 Hughes Aircraft Company Electronic watch construction
US4213295A (en) * 1975-09-12 1980-07-22 Eta A.G. Ebauches-Fabrik Arrangement for securing a dial to a plate in a timepiece
US4044542A (en) * 1976-06-01 1977-08-30 Hughes Aircraft Company Watch module construction
US4247926A (en) * 1976-08-09 1981-01-27 Etauches Bettloch, S.A. Watch movement
US4218872A (en) * 1977-07-13 1980-08-26 Kabushiki Kaisha Suwa Seikosha Display device for timepiece
EP0545229A1 (fr) 1991-12-02 1993-06-09 Walter Schlup Boîte de montre comportant un fermoir pour bracelet

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
European Search Report, completed Sep. 1, 2004.

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20210165369A1 (en) * 2019-12-03 2021-06-03 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Device for fastening a horological external element or display element
US11829109B2 (en) * 2019-12-03 2023-11-28 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Device for fastening a horological external element or display element
US20230042355A1 (en) * 2021-08-09 2023-02-09 Eta Sa Manufacture Horlogère Suisse Key for holding a dial on the plate of a horological movement

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW200535578A (en) 2005-11-01
CN1667529A (zh) 2005-09-14
JP4843233B2 (ja) 2011-12-21
JP2005257689A (ja) 2005-09-22
CN100576113C (zh) 2009-12-30
DE602004023814D1 (de) 2009-12-10
TWI361340B (en) 2012-04-01
HK1078659A1 (en) 2006-03-17
EP1574918A1 (fr) 2005-09-14
EP1574918B1 (fr) 2009-10-28
US20050201210A1 (en) 2005-09-15

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